Chun Ngọc Hà Phạm (b. 1996, Hanoi, Vietnam) emerges as a trailblazer in the Austrian contemporary art scene, challenging the status quo of painting. Arriving in Vienna in 2015 with limited life experience and German proficiency, Chun embarked on a journey that saw him transition from computer science studies at Vienna University of Technology to a flourishing artistic path. He delved into art and fashion at Herbststrasse school before pursuing fashion design at the University of Applied Arts Vienna, where his engagement with textiles and embroidery ignited a holistic approach to painting. Since 2021, Chun has further expanded his artistic repertoire, studying contextual painting at the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna.
Chun's oeuvre transcends the conventional boundaries of painting, embracing a unique fusion of textile art and painting. His meticulously coded hidden images, intricately woven into textiles, serve as conduits between two and three dimensions, captivating viewers' senses and perceptions. Drawing inspiration from art history and popular media, Chun's subjects delve into childhood experiences and visionary fantasies, challenging viewers to explore their own sensory responses. Materiality plays a crucial role in Chun's practice, with repurposed fabric off-cuts and industrial embroidery seamlessly integrated to blur the lines between mass production and manual craftsmanship. Through his innovative approach, Chun offers a fresh perspective on painting, inviting viewers to reconsider the boundaries of traditional artistic expression.